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Salmond Returns To Westminster

Former SNP leader Alex Salmond has returned to Westminster, winning the Gordon constituency from the Liberal Democrats.

The former Scottish first minister polled more than 27,000 votes to take the seat, which had been held by Sir Malcolm Bruce.

Christine Jardine, who stood for the Liberal Democrats, secured just over 19,000 votes.

As the result was declared, Mr Salmond told supporters at the count in Aberdeen: “The Scottish lion has roared this morning across the country.”

With the SNP on course for a landslide victory in Scotland, he said: “There is a swing under way in Scotland the likes of which has not been seen in recorded politics.

“It is an extraordinary statement of intent from the people of Scotland.”

The former First Minister said Scotland had spoken with a united voice and insisted it would be “inconceivable” for a Westminster government of any complexion to ignore it.

Speaking after his victory had been declared, he said: “It's an extraordinary statement of intent from the people of Scotland.

“There is a rough wind blowing though the great glen of Scotland this morning.

“(The swing) is twice the level of any swing recorded in Scotland or indeed across the UK since electoral records began in 1835.

“Whatever that arithmetic, whatever that configuration, it's inconceivable that such a statement of unity from the people of Scotland - north, south, east and west - could possibly be ignored by any administration of any political complexion.”